The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) is set to acquire 229 hectares of land across four villages—Murkhada, Pulkhal, Kanori, and Mudjha—for the construction of a greenfield airport in Gadchiroli. This project, approved by a recent government resolution, aims to improve connectivity and foster economic growth in the region. A prefeasibility study by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already been completed, and the airport is planned to feature a 2,500–2,800-meter runway. With the airport expected to be operational within 4–5 years, it will support the increasing industrial and mining activities in the region, transforming Gadchiroli into a well-connected hub and integrating it into Maharashtra’s broader development framework.
MADC, the state-owned entity behind the Mihan-SEZ project, will oversee the land acquisition process. The 229 hectares, which span both private and government land, are located near Gadchiroli town. The Airports Authority of India has already completed a prefeasibility study that covers essential aspects such as runway approach and wind direction, enabling the acquisition process to proceed smoothly.
The government resolution outlines the aim to elevate the living standards in Gadchiroli, a district primarily inhabited by tribal communities. The new airport is expected to bring residents into the economic mainstream and contribute to the district’s development. As the area’s industrial and mining activities grow, the need for enhanced air connectivity to major cities like Mumbai and Delhi becomes increasingly critical.
The proposed runway, initially designed to be 2,500 to 2,800 meters long, will accommodate wide-bodied aircraft. While the final design is still under review, the project is expected to be operational within four to five years if the land acquisition and other processes proceed as planned. MADC currently manages airports in Amravati, Solapur, Karad, Pune, Shirdi, and Nagpur. It has also partnered with GMR for the expansion of Nagpur airport under a concession agreement.
The Gadchiroli airport project marks a significant step toward improving connectivity in the region. Initially conceived to enhance security operations, the project now aligns with the area’s growing industrial and commercial needs. By linking Gadchiroli to major cities and encouraging investment, the airport will play a key role in boosting economic growth and improving living standards, particularly for the tribal population. While challenges like land acquisition remain, the project’s potential to transform Gadchiroli into a well-connected hub highlights its importance for Maharashtra’s continued development.
